Songs to Listen to in Summer: Ranking of Popular Tracks by Japanese Female Artists [2026]

Become the windtsuji ayano15rank/position

Ayano Tsuji / Become the Wind [VIDEO MUSIC AYA~NO 2009]

Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” lets you feel the refreshing breeze of summer.

Released in 2002, the song gained popularity as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Cat Returns.

Along with the movie itself, Tsuji’s gentle, soothing voice is surely easy for children to connect with.

Once you hear it, you’ll definitely want to hop on a bicycle and ride off, cutting through the wind just like the scenes described in the lyrics! With its tender melody, may it help you create wonderful summer memories.

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SAKI

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TouchIwasaki Yoshimi16rank/position

Touch

This is a song released in 1985, known as the theme song for the anime Touch.

It was also included on the album Touch, and gained popularity alongside other anime-related tracks.

The lyrics, which sing of the bittersweet feelings of youthful love and the importance of human connection, resonate with many listeners.

Combined with Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, pure vocals, it’s a track that makes hearts flutter.

It’s recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone who wants to recall the innocence of first love.

Summer is comingDaikoku Maki17rank/position

Summer is coming

Set to passionate Latin rhythms, this Maki Ohguro number portrays the rising anticipation that comes with summer and the impatience hidden deep in the heart.

It’s said that the lyrics reflect a strong will to push back against social pressure to marry and to forge one’s own career.

The timbales-driven beat dramatizes those complex emotions.

Released in April 1994 as her eighth single, it was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s music program “COUNT DOWN TV” and is also included on the classic album “Eien no Yume ni Mukatte.” For anyone who wants to shine in their own way, this song might just give you the powerful push you need.

Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii18rank/position

Sinbad of the Seashore / Pink Lady

This song portrays the emotions of a woman who has fallen in love, set against a summer seaside backdrop.

Pink Lady’s catchy melody and bold lyrics leave a strong impression.

Released in June 1977, it became one of their signature hits and their first million-seller.

It was reissued as a single in 1993, 1996, and 2006, and was also used as the theme song for the 2005 Nippon TV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi.” It’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy a summer seaside romance.

It’s also perfect as driving background music, letting you feel the refreshing summer breeze.

The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko19rank/position

Seiko Matsuda – The Door of Summer (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

It’s a classic that carries the sparkle of summer’s arrival and the thrill of a budding romance.

Just listening to it makes your heart skip and gives you the urge to dash off somewhere, doesn’t it? Released in April 1981 as Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single, this track is also included on the acclaimed album “Silhouette.” Its hope-filled lyrics and Seiko’s endlessly soaring high notes blend perfectly, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.

It was also featured at the time in a Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial, enchanting many with her voice.

Isn’t it just perfect for opening the door to a new season or when you want to refresh your mood?

Ref:rainAimer20rank/position

Aimer “Ref:rain” MUSIC VIDEO (5th albums “Sun Dance” and “Penny Rain” released simultaneously on Wednesday, 2019/04/10)

The ending theme “Ref:rain” from the film “After the Rain,” which depicts a refreshing love story between a high school student who has tasted defeat and an unremarkable man who manages the part-time workplace where she works.

Tied to the film’s content, the keywords of the song are “rain” and “love.” June, when you can hear the footsteps of summer approaching.

Listening to this song might bring back memories of an unforgettable summer romance.

Aimer, known for her husky voice—her cool, edgy tracks are wonderful, but for June, this sweet and bittersweet love song is especially recommended!

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sasashina

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Sparklers feat. Lila IkutaSato Chiaki21rank/position

Chiaki Sato – Sparkler (Senko Hanabi) feat. Rira Ikuta (Music Video)

This is a song that brings back that special summertime-night exhilaration.

Released ahead of the June 2023 album “BUTTERFLY EFFECT,” it’s a poppy dance tune with a comfortably infectious rhythm.

The vocals by Chiahi Sato and Lila Ikuta hint at the beginning of a faint love story.

Words like “festival” and “ice cream that won’t melt” are brimming with summer sparkle, while the bittersweet wish for a night that you never want to end resonates in your heart.

Give it a listen when you want to feel the flutter of romance and the tenderness for a summer that’s slipping away!